Water: Essential to your body

Drinking water does more than just quench your thirst — it’s essential to keeping your body functioning properly and feeling healthy. Nearly all of your body’s major systems depend on water to function and survive. You’d be surprised about what staying hydrated can do for your body.

Here are just a few important ways water works in your body:

Regulates body temperature

Moistens tissues in the eyes, nose and mouth

Protects body organs and tissues

Carries nutrients and oxygen to cells

Lubricates joints

Lessens burden the on kidneys and liver by flushing out waste products

Helps dissolve minerals and nutrients to make them accessible to your body

Every day you lose water through your breath, perspiration, urine and bowel movements, which is why it’s important to continue to take in water throughout the day. For your body to function at its best, you must replenish its water supply with beverages and food that contain water. Mayo Clinic recommends this minimum daily intake of water:

Women — 11.5 cups

Men — 15.5 cups

By consuming the minimum recommendation of water, you’re helping your body function better and improving your overall health. For more information about ways to consume more water and find out if you’re getting enough for your body’s needs, talk to your health care provider.